第２５掘：おはよう、そして説明 (Part1)
Chapter 25: Good Morning, and the Explanation
Good morning, and the explanation.
My body feels heavy... I know I went to sleep yesterday, but my head is still foggy.
I can't move. Is this that? The famous sleep paralysis?
There’s definitely a sense of pressure on my chest; it’s hard to breathe.
Looking around, the sun is already up.
I wondered if sleep paralysis could happen at this hour, but I managed to move just my hand to pull back the duvet, and there...
"...Zzz... Zzz..."
Labyris was sleeping right on top of me.
Ah, I remember now. I’m in another world, and I’m running a dungeon.
Since I’d set up an inn and gone to sleep, I momentarily thought I was just on a trip and being visited by some strange paranormal phenomenon.
"Nn... Zzz..."
To avoid waking her, I moved her off my chest.
I see, she’s like a Zashiki-warashi.
If I saw this at night, I’d think it was a horror movie, but right now, it just feels somewhat heartwarming.
Now then, for breakfast... let's take the easy way out. I'll just quickly generate it with DP.
First, I need to give them the explanation and have them start brainstorming for the future.
"Hey, Mauve, wake up. I can't serve food like this."
"...Nn? Ah, is it morning already?"
"Just how long were you guys partying?"
Mauve finally started to wake up after I gave him a kick.
Raiya and Curse were already awake and had tidied up their futons.
"Man, tea tastes great in the morning."
"It does. Once you get used to green tea, it’s a drink that really puts the mind at ease."
They were relaxing and chilling over some tea at the table near the window.
"So, where's breakfast?"
"First, put the futons away. I have to call the women over too."
"Yeah, yeah. By the way, are you still not going to let us meet the Princess?"
"The explanation is still insufficient. It’ll cause chaos. In Milly’s case, she might even kill her."
That's right, I haven't told the women that Elju is alive yet.
I gave them a surface-level explanation, but I feel I should only talk about Elju once I can fully trust them.
Especially for Milly, who comes from the same place as Mauve and the others, Elju would likely look like a mortal enemy if she knew the truth.
"I see. I won't meddle in that. Well, let's get this cleaned up quickly."
With that, he began folding the futons.
I should go wake the women... but before that, I’ll wake the three children. I feel like I shouldn't leave them alone for too long.
"...You came. How could you show your face after abandoning us?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
As expected, Labyris was glaring at me from atop the futon.
Aslin and Firia were rubbing their eyes, still looking half-asleep.
"Alright, listen up. I’m going to teach you about the luxuries of an inn. First, we’re going to wake the other women."
I picked up Aslin and Firia and left the room with Labyris.
They’re heavy, but well, they’re cute, so I’ll allow it.
Is this how a parent feels?
"...I'm still sleepy too. So..."
"Save it for next time. I don't have three arms."
"...I see... It's a promise, then."
"Don't look so disappointed. Fine, here, get on my shoulders. Balance yourself."
Since Labyris looked so lonely, I suggested a shoulder carry.
I wouldn't offer this to Aslin or Firia because they’d likely fall off.
"...Thank you."
She climbed onto my shoulders and placed her hands on my head.
In the process, two melons pressed against my head, but I ignored them.
In no time, we arrived at the room next door.
"Hey, are you awake? Open up!"
"Yes, yes, Mister. We're awake~"
Ratz answered and opened the door, but...
"...Uh, are you in the middle of childcare?"
"I won't deny it."
"You won't deny it, huh? You certainly have it rough. So, is it breakfast time?"
"Yeah, but before that, I thought I’d let you experience a luxury unique to an inn."
"Geez, the rest of us already feel like this is more luxury than we deserve, you know? I want to ask if there’s even any luxury left beyond this."
While I was talking to Ratz, Eris and Milly noticed and came over.
"Are you planning to show us another strange luxury?"
"Yeah, I’ve already gotten used to luxury in just half a day. I find myself looking forward to whatever you tell us next, Yuki."
Eris looked like she’d given up, while Milly looked at me with an "it's hopeless" expression.
"Heh heh heh... You should all take a trip to the open-air bath!! That is the greatest luxury of this facility!!"
Yes, an inn. The greatest luxury of an inn with an open-air bath is being able to bathe whenever you want!!
In the morning, in the afternoon, and at night!!
"Think of it as a way to wake up. Put your clothes in the basket just like yesterday. Replacements are in the basket too."
"How should I put this... The luxury of being able to bathe around the clock, and using it just to wake up. And even our clothes are being changed again. Mister, what are you trying to do to us by spoiling us so rotten?~"
"Like I said yesterday, as long as you're here, this is normal. And if you want to maintain this, we have to run the dungeon well. It means that if you work hard, you can maintain this lifestyle. For that purpose, think of this bath as a way to freshen up and switch your mindset."
"...I have a lot I want to say, but I’ll quietly obey you, Mister. A luxury like this might only happen once in a lifetime."
Saying that, Ratz led everyone out of the room.
"So, what are you going to do, Mister? Are you coming in with us?"
"No, I’ll pass. Sorry, but can you take these kids? I’ll relax in the men's bath."
I tried to hand the three children over to Ratz, but...
"...I'm going to the men's bath too."
"I want to be together."
"Me too!!"
Aslin and Firia clung to me. They seemed to have woken up at some point.
As for Labyris, she was clinging to my head so tightly that her melons were squishing and fitting against it.
"...Mister, I'm sorry, but it seems I can't take care of those children unless I'm your wife."
"Sigh, fine. When you're out of the bath, gather at the place where we had dinner yesterday. I'll explain everything after breakfast."
"Understood~"
And so, I parted ways with Ratz and the others and entered the men's bath.
"Now then, do you remember how to do this from yesterday?"
"I-I'm okay."
"Hmm, I don't really remember much."
"I'm heavy, so help me again."